Review the evolution in thought regarding the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases from genetically determined, static disorders of adaptive immunity (T and B lymphocytes) to a dynamic process involving defective programming of regulatory and Th17 lymphocytes by cells of the innate immune system (dendritic cells and macrophages)
Review the mechanisms by which infections, imbalances in gut flora, food antigens, toxins, and other environmental factors can trigger the breakdown in immune tolerance that leads to autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals
Explore the practical applications of this model for detecting autoimmune disease at an earlier stage, recognizing potential environmental triggers, and making appropriate recommendations for lifestyle changes and non-pharmaceutical interventions
Understand how to design a protocol with appropriate chelating agents
Understand the metabolic shift in the intestinal tract in conjunction with genetic switches that preclude an individual to autoimmune behaviors
Discuss the appropriate labs to support metabolic assessment
Learn potential dietary supplements and other recommendations that may have a positive impact on patient care
Identify common drugs that can contribute to disruption of the gut-immune interface
Understand the most relevant nutrients that can be of benefit to resorting metabolic homeostasis
Learn the top three areas of disruption that lead to autoimmune disturbances.
Learn how mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in a variety of diseases ranging from Parkinson’s, Cancer, NASH, Alzheimer’s, Autism and Diabetes.
Understand the critical role the thyroid plays in metabolism and how this relates to mitochondria
Learn about a variety of toxins that can adversely affect mitochondria and learn the key ways to optimize mitochondrial function in patients
Discuss how to evaluate and work-up a patient with CFS and FM
Learn about the autonomic and cardiac manifestations, impaired mitochondrial function, immune dysfunction, hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue in CFS and FM
Understand the symptoms, physical modalities and metabolic/anti-aging treatment modalities for fibromyalgia
Learn how to treat mitochondrial dysfunction
Learn the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
Discuss the role of heavy metals in memory loss
Recognize the effects of fluoride on the brain
Understand the role stress plays on cognition
Describe the role that environmental toxins may play in autoimmune diseases
Understand metabolic/anti-aging treatments for lupus and Raynaud’s phenomenon
Learn new diagnostic tests and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
Identify the differential diagnosis for high anti-CCP
Learn symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning
Examine the research on the safety of mercury amalgams
Discuss the diseases related to mercury poisoning
Examine the diseases aggravated by allergies to metals
Learn nutritional detoxification methods and mechanisms for mercury toxicity
Examine symptom improvement after amalgam removal
Understand the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis
Learn the role of white blood cells involved in allergic reactions
Understand the role of IgE in allergic reactions
Identify the role of mast cells and basophils in allergic reactions
Learn the mediators involved in allergic reactions (histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins) and the åmedications used to block these mediators and over-the- counter alternatives
Understand the chemical sensitivity component of rhinitis symptoms
Recognize the connection between pesticides/herbicides, common household chemicals, hormone imbalance syndrome (HIS) and the growing food allergy and environmental allergy epidemics
Understand the demographics of autoimmunity
Discuss the important interactions of the endocrine system with immunity
Understand how the endocrine system can affect autoimmunity
Learn several laboratory tests that can be used in addition to the standard tests for autoimmunity
Learn treatment options to augment usual and customary treatment of autoimmunity
2018